A Better Tomorrow Movies: Release Order
A Better Tomorrow is a landmark of Hong Kong action cinema that defined the heroic bloodshed genre with its blend of stylized violence and emotional storytelling. John Woo's direction of the original films, combined with Chow Yun-fat's iconic performances, created a template that influenced action cinema worldwide.
This complete watch order includes the original Hong Kong trilogy from 1986-1989, plus two standalone remakes that reimagine the core story. The 2010 Korean remake transplants the narrative to contemporary Korea with a focus on arms trafficking, while the 2018 Chinese remake updates the story for modern mainland China with revised character backgrounds.
There is 1 other watch order available – see the link up above.
A Better Tomorrow
A reforming ex-gangster attempts to rebuild his relationship with his estranged policeman brother while struggling to break free from his criminal past.
A Better Tomorrow II
A restaurateur joins forces with a police officer and his ex-convict brother to seek revenge for the murder of a friend's daughter in this action-packed Hong Kong crime thriller.
A Better Tomorrow III: Love and Death in Saigon
Set in 1974 Saigon, a young Hong Kong man named Mark travels to Vietnam seeking fortune but becomes entangled with Kit, a mysterious woman involved in underworld dealings. As war looms, their tragic romance unfolds against a backdrop of danger and betrayal.
A Better Tomorrow
An idealistic policeman faces a moral dilemma when he must pursue his estranged older brother, who has become a powerful gangster in a South Korean port city.
A Better Tomorrow
A former smuggler tries to rebuild his life and reconnect with his estranged brother after being released from prison.
Other Film Series
Christopher Nolan
Visionary British-American filmmaker renowned for his complex narratives, temporal experimentation, and spectacular practical filmmaking.
Infernal Affairs
A tightly connected Hong Kong crime trilogy exploring dual identities and betrayal through the parallel stories of two moles infiltrating opposite sides of the law.
Michael Mann
A collection of standalone crime thrillers and character studies from the acclaimed director known for his distinctive visual style and procedural authenticity.
Ninja
Cannon Films' cult classic ninja trilogy from the 1980s, featuring Sho Kosugi in standalone action adventures that helped define the era's martial arts B-movies.
Pusher
A Danish crime trilogy exploring Copenhagen's criminal underworld through different protagonists, plus an unconnected English remake.
The Joker
A collection of major live-action Joker portrayals across different Batman film universes.